Art in Times of Crisis

With the current economic meltdown, it seems we may all be in uncharted territory. I've been thinking about the role that art plays in crisis. Historically, it is often the artists, and the creative class, who show us the way through our adversities.

Does magic have a role to play in all of this? I certainly think so. What's needed, in my view, is a perspective that we're all in this together, that whatever happens, we can rise above it and help one another to keep moving on. Competition and greed got us to this point; what will move us beyond it is cooperative effort: working together to meet the challenges that arise.

Magic, if used wisely, can bring people together; it can move people and inspire them. As Tolstoy put it, "art is a human activity that transmits to others the highest and best to which men have risen." Using magic to demonstrate our best, to reinforce our interconnectedness, doesn't mean you have to preach in your performances. It can be more subtle than that, and more direct.

Are you bringing joy to others with your magic, or are you using it to aggrandize your own ego? Are you using magic to convey, "Hey! Look at me, look what I can do that you CAN'T!" Or are you using it to connect with people, join with them in an experience of wonder, that can only be shared, and never imposed.

We do have a role to play, and a service to be rendered. Art means using your talent to share something meaningful with others, even if it's just a moment of joy. I challenge you to give some thought to what it is that you're sharing, and just as importantly, what you really want to share.

Be an inspiration, by simply being inspired, looking and finding your own inspiration, and then sharing it openly and freely with others. That's the real magic!

Oooops! Sorry!

Well, I guess I owe an apology to anyone who's bothered to check out my blog here, as it's been over a year since I've posted. I could give you excuses, such as the fact that I've been swamped with other activities in my professional performing career, all of which would be true, but bottom line is I simply need to make these entries a priority. And I intend to make more of an effort in that regard.

I'm doing a lecture for the Quad Cities Magic Club on October 23, so it's a good opportunity to re-establish my focus on promoting magic as an actual Art Form.

Speaking of which, in my local area, I've been involved recently in several projects helping to promote the arts. Among other things, I've attended several meetings sponsored by the Economic Development Council in the Peoria area on creating an "Artist Relocation Program" as part of the downtown riverfront and warehouse district development in Peoria. The idea is to encourage established artists to move to the Peoria area as one means of stimulating the local economy, increasing tourism, and improving the lifestyle choices in the area.

Studies have shown that the economic development of a metropolitan area is driven largely by the "creative class", the artist, innovators, entertainers, and others involved in creative pursuits. Without them to draw interest and appeal to a city, nothing else happens.

I firmly believe that magic has a role to play in this crucial process. In these tough economic times, magic can inspire like little else. That is, if we're willing to step out on the skinny branches and make our magic represent more than just some cool tricks. How much meaning and emotion can you put into your magic? How much inspiration? It's certainly food for thought.